Extension Shaft For Holding a Tool for Rotary Driven Motion

ABSTRACT

A tool having a flexible extension shaft, a first end and, a second end and capable of being bent about its axis. The tool transfers rotary motion from a device to an implement. Both of the ends may be capable of independently being bent about the axis. The shaft may include a male member and a female member for a kit. Further, one end of the tool may include a rotatable member having a first and second implement.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/344,449 filed Jan. 5, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/908,443 filed on Oct. 20, 2010 which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/284,156, filed on Sep. 18,2008, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an extension shaft capable ofholding a variety of tools to be rotary driven by a handheld instrument;and more particularly, to providing an extension shaft with an increasedrange of angular movement of the tool with respect to the handheldinstrument.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A handheld instrument capable of being used with multiple types oftools—e.g., drill bits, screwdriver bits, sockets, etc. in standard andmetric dimensions—is very popular because it provides a user with theability to readily adapt the handheld instrument among a variety ofworkplace needs without requiring the user to carry along an extensiveset of individually dedicated tools.

Each tool is fashioned to be axially inserted into a chuck of thehandheld instrument, which typically positions the tool in closeproximity to the handheld instrument's relatively large handle. As aresult, the handheld instrument may at times be rather ineffective foruse in spatially confined or difficult-to-reach locations.

In this connection, a powered handheld instrument—corded or cordless—mayalso be used. Although such a powered instrument, e.g., screwdriver,drill; is generally relatively long in length, it does provide the userwith the ability to easily complete various tasks with less manualeffort. In addition, the powered instrument generally includes a casingsurrounding its motor that is rather large in relation to the tools,i.e., drill bits, screwdriver tips, sockets, and the like. For thisreason, it has been difficult to use the powered instrument in areas oflimited access.

The present invention is directed to addressing the spatial constraintsfrequently encountered by today's user during use of a handheldinstrument capable of being utilized with various tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an extension shaft forholding a tool for rotary driven motion. The extension shaft is capableof being adapted to a handheld instrument having a chuck. The extensionshaft includes a first end adapted to cooperate with the chuck and bereleasably retained thereby; and a second end adapted to releasablyretain the tool for rotary driven motion. The first end of the extensionshaft and the chuck have complementarily shaped non-circularcross-sections, wherein the first end has an axis and is capable ofbeing releasably retained by the chuck. The second end of the extensionshaft includes a tool holder for holding the tool for rotary drivenmotion thereof. The tool holder and the tool have complementarily shapednon-circular cross-sections. The tool holder further includes a baseportion and a swivel portion. The swivel portion is capable ofreleasably retaining the tool within the tool holder and is pivotlycoupled to the base portion through a pivot assembly. The pivot assemblymay include a ball joint operatively connecting the swivel and baseportions of the tool holder. Alternatively, the pivot assembly mayinclude a first and a second pin, shaft, or axle, wherein the first andsecond pins of the pivot assembly are substantially perpendicular toeach other and lie substantially within a plane. In either embodiment ofthe pivot assembly, the tool is capable of being rotated about an anglewith respect to an axis of the chuck or extension shaft through rotationof the extension shaft in response to rotation of the chuck. Thus, thetool holder of the present invention provides for the handheldinstrument's effective operability to be maintained throughout anincrease in the angular variation between the extension shaft and thetool.

In an additional embodiment of the tool holder, the pivot assemblyincludes a means for biasing the base and swivel portions into axialalignment when the tool holder is at rest. The predisposition of thepivot assembly to axially align the base and swivel portions willeffectively steady the swivel portion and facilitate the insertionand/or removal of the tool.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a sheath may be placedover the cooperating moving parts of the tool holder to guard againstcontact therewith while simultaneously allowing the extension shaft toproperly operate. The sheath can be a single, unitary piece or multiplepieces. In an alternate embodiment to guard against contact with themoving parts of the tool holder, a spacer can be placed proximate thepivot assembly, e.g., bearing of the ball joint; which will assist inpreventing an operator from contacting the area around the rotating andhinging parts of the tool holder.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the first or secondend of the extension shaft preferably includes a generally cylindricalbody portion terminating in a male hex shank and the other of the firstor second end of the extension shaft preferably includes a cylindricalbody portion terminating in the tool holder—e.g., base portion andswivel portion including a female hex shank-receiving opening therein.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the extension shaftis flexible and capable of deflecting relative to the axis of the chucksuch that the position of the second end of the flexible extension shaftand the tool can be angled relative to the axis of the chuck, whereinthe tool can be rotary driven by rotation of the chuck through rotationof the handheld instrument and the flexible extension shaft.

The flexible extension shaft may further include a plurality ofconcentric coil springs in tightly wound adjacent relation extendingbetween and secured to generally cylindrical body portions near thefirst and second ends of the flexible extension shaft to accommodatedeflection of the flexible extension shaft relative to the axis of thechuck, and including a flexible sleeve disposed about the concentriccoil springs. The flexible sleeve has cylindrical fittings securedthereto at opposite ends thereof so as to define a shoulder internallyof each of the fittings. Each cylindrical fitting is adapted to receiveone of the cylindrical body portions therein. The cylindrical bodyportions are spaced apart by a distance greater than the distancebetween the shoulders in the cylindrical fittings, which permits limitedaxial movement of the cylindrical body portions and the concentric coilsprings relative to the cylindrical fittings and the flexible sleeve.Such a configuration allows for the flexible extension shaft to bedeflectable relative to the axis of the chuck so as to position thesecond end of the shaft and the tool at an angle relative to the axis ofthe chuck, so that the tool is capable of being rotary driven byrotation of the chuck and/or handheld instrument through the flexibleextension shaft.

A shaft biasing coil spring can be advantageously disposed about theconcentric coil springs of the flexible extension shaft. Morespecifically, the shaft biasing coil spring is disposed between theshoulder in one of the cylindrical fittings and the corresponding one ofthe cylindrical body portions to normally bias the other of thecylindrical body portions into engagement with the shoulder in the otherof the cylindrical fittings.

An object of the present invention is to provide an extension shaft forholding a tool utilized with a handheld instrument, wherein theextension shaft is capable of increasing the operating capability of thehandheld instrument and tool.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an extension shaftfor holding a tool utilized with a handheld instrument, wherein theextension shaft includes a protective mechanism to safeguard theoperator from harmful contact with the moving components of theextension shaft.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide anextension shaft for holding a tool utilized with a handheld instrument,wherein the extension shaft includes a tool holder with a means forbiasing a base and swivel portion into axial alignment and thussteadying the swivel portion to facilitate insertion and/or removal ofthe tool when the extension shaft is idle.

Another object is to provide a tool having two ends that can bendindependently of the flexible shaft.

A yet further object is to provide a kit having a flexible extensionshaft tool, a male member, and a female member to allow for furtherextending the length of the shaft tool, as well as a variety ofconfigurations to work with a variety of driving tools and objects to beworked on (i.e., fasteners).

Another object is to provide a device having an end with a rotatablemember having a first implement and a second implement, allowing for afaster change of implements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a rigid extension shaft in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rigid extension shaft shown in FIG.1 and operatively attached to a handheld instrument and a tool;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of the tool holder of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view—perpendicular to the axis ofthe extension shaft—of the swivel portion of the tool holder of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view—aligned with the axis of the extensionshaft—of the swivel portion of the tool holder of the present inventionwith a tool inserted therein;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D depict various embodiments of the pivotassembly of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention depicting a flexible extension shaft operatively attached to apowered handheld instrument and a tool;

FIG. 7B is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention depicting a flexible extension shaft operatively attached to asimple handheld instrument and a tool;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the flexible extension shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view—perpendicular to the axis ofthe extension shaft—of the flexible extension shaft of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the pivot assembly includes a ball joint having abearing and a socket;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view—perpendicular to the axis ofthe extension shaft—of one embodiment of the pivot assembly of thepresent invention, wherein a sheath is utilized to cover at least aportion of the tool holder and at least a portion of the end of theextension shaft;

FIG. 12 is a partial view of one embodiment of the pivot assembly of thepresent invention, wherein a spacer is located proximate the pivotassembly to guard against a user contacting the moving parts of theextension shaft;

FIG. 13 is a partial view of one embodiment of the tool holder of thepresent invention depicting one of the means for predisposing the axialalignment and connection of the base and swivel portions of the toolholder;

FIG. 14 is another partial view of the embodiment of the tool holder ofthe present invention depicting the means for predisposing the axialalignment and connection of the base and swivel portions of the toolholder shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a partial view of one embodiment of the tool holder of thepresent invention depicting another of the means for predisposing theaxial alignment and connection of the base and swivel portions of thetool holder; and,

FIG. 16 is a partial view of an alternate embodiment of the sheathhaving multiple portions for covering at least a portion of the movingcomponents of the tool holder;

FIG. 17 depicts another alternate embodiment of the extension shaft ofthe present invention wherein cylindrical fittings cover portions of thetool holder;

FIG. 18 depicts the alternate embodiment of the extension shaft of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 17 wherein a sheath is utilized to coverat least a portion of the tool holder;

FIG. 19 depicts an alternative embodiment of the present inventionwherein both ends are capable of bending independently of the flexibleextension shaft;

FIG. 20 depicts a kit according to the present invention including ashaft, a male member and a female member;

FIG. 21 depicts a cutaway view of a female member in a kit according tothe present invention;

FIG. 22 depicts a top view of a male member in a kit according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 23 depicts an alternative embodiment of the present inventionwherein the tool includes a rotatable member having a first and secondimplement;

FIG. 24 is a close up view of a rotatable member; and,

FIG. 25 is another view of a rotatable member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible to embodiments in many differentforms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosures are to be considered as exemplifications ofthe principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the broadaspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring to the drawings, and first to FIGS. 1 and 2, the referencenumeral 10 designates generally a handheld instrument or piece ofequipment, e.g., screwdriver, drill; having a chuck 12 for connection toan extension shaft 18 for rotary driven motion at one end 16 thereof.The extension shaft 18 includes a first end 20 adapted to cooperativelyextend from, or attach or connect with, the chuck 12; and, a second end22 that may similarly be adapted for attachment or extension there fromand to hold a tool 14 for rotary driven motion.

The first end 20 of the extension shaft 18 and the chuck 12 havecomplementarily shaped non-circular cross-sections, e.g., hexagonal,that may be similar to those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,929—the entirecontents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. The chuck12 has a longitudinal axis and is adapted to receive the first end 20 bof the extension shaft 18 by means of axial insertion of the extensionshaft into the chuck with the respective non-circular cross-sections inrotationally aligned relationship. The chuck 12 preferably also includesa means for holding the first end 20 of the extension shaft 18 forrotary driven motion of the shaft.

A tool holder 52 including a base portion 54 and a swivel portion 56extends from or is operatively connected to the extension shaft 18proximate the second end 22. It is to be understood that the termoperatively as used herein connotes that the connection, attachment,coupling, integral extension there from, etc. can be accomplishedthrough any one of a variety of ways known by those or ordinary skill inthe art to utilize such cooperating components and to ensure theiroperability. In one instance, the base portion 54 of the tool holder 52is integral with or extends from a cylindrical body portion 22 as isshown in FIG. 1. In another instance, the connection between theextension shaft 18 and the tool holder 52 can similarly utilize thecomplementarily shaped—e.g., male-female—non-circular cross-sections ofmating components utilized between the chuck 12 and the first end 20 ofthe extension shaft 18. Likewise, the swivel portion 56 of the toolholder 52 is capable of retaining the tool 14 therein and can similarlyutilize the complementarily shaped non-circular cross-sections betweenthe tool holder's 52 swivel portion 56, 56 a and the tool 14—see FIGS. 4and 5.

As will be appreciated by referring to the figures, particularly FIGS.7-9, the tool 14 is rotary driven by the chuck 12 of the handheldinstrument 10. The handheld instrument can be a simple handle—see FIG.7B—that can be manually operated, or a powered handle—see FIG. 7A—thatcan be electrically operated. It will also be appreciated that proximateeither ends 20, 22 of the extension shaft 18, a generally cylindricalbody portion may be included. One cylindrical body portion, e.g., 20 a,may terminate in a male hex shank, e.g., 20 b, and the other generallycylindrical body portion, e.g., 22 a, may terminate in the tool holder52 having a base portion 54 and a pivotly connected swivel portion 56,which further includes a female hex shank-receiving opening or collet 56a capable of interconnecting with the tool 14. It will further beappreciated that the chuck 12 includes a female hex shank-receivingopening which, together with the male hex shank 20 b, exemplifies oneembodiment of the previously described complementarily shapednon-circular cross-section. With this arrangement, the first end 20 ofthe extension shaft 18 is adapted for axial insertion into the chuck 12.So too the tool holder can be axially inserted into, or aligned with,the second end 22 of the extension shaft; and likewise, the tool 14 canalso be axially inserted into swivel portion 56 of the tool holder 52proximate the second end 22 of the extension shaft 18.

Magnetic coupling is one of a variety of means for releasably retainingthe male hex shank portion within the cooperating female hex receivingportion. Another means for releasably retaining the male hex shankportion within the cooperating female hex receiving portion is shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, which may include a ball or bearing detent 26 associatedwith a female hex shank-receiving opening that can be incorporated intothe swivel portion 56 of the tool holder 52 proximate the second end 22of the flexible extension shaft 18. In like fashion, the means forreleasably retaining cooperatively attached members—e.g., the toolholder 52 and the tool 14—can also be implemented between the chuck 12and the extension shaft 18, or the extension shaft 18 and the toolholder 52.

A pivot assembly 58 connects the base 54 and swivel 56 portions of thetool holder 52. One embodiment of the pivot assembly 58 is shown inFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 6A-6D and includes a pair of pins, shafts, or axles,wherein a first pin 60 and a second pin 62 lie substantially within asingle plane. Preferably, the first and second pins 60, 62 aresubstantially perpendicular to each other, and are connected together,or are integral with each other, to form a unitary piece. FIGS. 6A, 6B,6C, and 6D depict several embodiments of the pivot assembly 58 showingthe first 60 and second 62 pins being integral with each other and lyingwithin a single plane, i.e., the plane of the paper. The integral pins60, 62 may be attached through a hub 64; the form of which may includeone of several different shapes or geometries—e.g., ring, disk,circular, round, rectangular, box, and diamond—and the hub may or maynot lie entirely or substantially within the same plane as the first 60and 62 second pins.

[Para 53] Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, an alternate embodiment of thepivot assembly 58 is shown wherein a ball joint 66 is utilized tooperatively connect the base 54 and swivel portions 56 of the toolholder 52. The ball joint 66 preferably includes a bearing 68, e.g., hexball—extending along a neck from the end 22 of the extension shaft 18 orbase portion 54, and resides within a socket 74 defined within an end ofthe swivel portion 56 opposite the end 56 a that retains the tool 14.The cooperative connection between the hex ball 68 and the socket 74enables the swivel portion 56 of the tool holder 52 to be angled,pivoted, or hinged with respect to the base portion 54, and furtherallows the swivel portion to rotate in response to rotation of the baseportion.

In a further alternate embodiment of the pivot assembly 58, the baseportion 54 and the swivel portion 56 of the tool holder 52 are biased orpredisposed to be substantially in axial alignment when the extensionshaft 18 is at rest—thus providing a beneficial feature of a more stableor steady swivel portion to facilitate the insertion and/or removal ofthe tool 14. FIGS. 13-14 depict one means for predisposing the axialalignment of the base 54 and swivel 56 portions of the tool holder 52when the tool holder is not in use. In particular, the ball joint 64 isconfigured such that the base portion 54 and the swivel portion 56 ofthe tool holder 52 include cooperating annular surfaces 76, 78—e.g.,shoulders—about their respective outer perimeters. The cooperatingsurfaces of the shoulders 76, 78 can be generally described as havingmating male-female portions and can include a variety of geometricshapes, e.g., circle, square, star, octagon.

A retaining device 80, such as an internal split ring, is positionedabout the axis and neck of the base portion 54 near the hex ball 66 andoperatively secured within the socket 74 of the swivel portion 56. Thesplit ring 80 retains the hex ball 66 within the socket 74 andsimultaneously permits the hex ball to axially slide a short distancewithin the socket. When the hex ball 66 is fully inserted into thesocket 74, the shoulder 76 of the base portion 54 cooperatively engageswith the shoulder 78 of the swivel portion 56 to axially align the baseand swivel portions and make a more rigid tool holder 52 having a steadyswivel portion with a lesser tendency to hinge, pivot, or angle withrespect to the base portion. If the male-female segments of thecooperating shoulders 76, 78 include keyed shapes, e.g., square, star,hexagon; any relative rotational movement between the base and swivelportions will be considerably deterred.

For increasing the operable range of the extension shaft 18, the swivelportion 56 can be axially slid away from the base portion 54 a distancesufficient to disengage and clear the cooperating shoulders 76, 78 ofthe base and swivel portions, thus allowing the swivel portion theability to hinge or pivot and be angled with respect to the baseportion. The retaining device 80 retains the hex ball 66 within thesocket 74 while simultaneously allowing the hex ball to rotate inresponse to rotation of the extension shaft 18, and thus engage thesocket. One of ordinary skill in the art can readily envision thatmultiple tool holders 52 can be coupled together as needed.

Additional embodiments of the pivot assembly 58 that are within thescope of the present invention include cooperating gears, e.g., beveled,spurred; or mating balls; operatively attached or extending from therespective base 54 and swivel 56 portions. Regardless of whichembodiment of pivot assembly 58 is employed during operation with thehandheld instrument 10, the extension shaft 18 can be disposedsubstantially entirely coaxial with the chuck 12, while the toolholder's swivel portion 56, as well as the tool 14 itself, is capable ofbeing positioned at an angle relative to the axis of the chuck.

The present invention further contemplates the tool holder 52 includinga means for predisposing the connection or attachment of the base 54 andswivel 56 portions through a bias 82 to axially attract the base andswivel portions toward each other. One such means for predisposing theconnection of the base 54 and swivel 56 portions includes a section ofeither or both of the base and swivel portions having a magnetizedsegment capable of attracting the other of the base or swivel portionsof the tool holder 52. That is, when the extension shaft 18 and/or toolholder 52 is at rest, or not being used, the base 54 and swivel 56portions are attracted to each other so that the respective shoulders76, 78 of each portion of the tool holder move toward each other toengage and axially align. The magnetic coupling is sufficient enough toattract the base 54 and swivel 56 portions toward each other to engagethe respective cooperating annular surfaces 76, 78 and steady the swivelportion for insertion and/or removal of the tool 14—while simultaneouslyallowing the base and swivel portions to be slid axially apart a shortdistance such that they can be angled with respect to each other and yetremain operatively connected by the split ring 80.

FIG. 15 depicts another embodiment of the means for predisposing theaxially aligned connection of the base 54 and swivel 56 portions,wherein the bias 82 includes a spring positioned about the neck of thebase portion proximate the hex ball 68 and between the split ring 80 andthe inner portion of the socket 74 that assists in the retention of thesplit ring therein. The force exerted by the spring 82 brings thecooperating shoulders 76, 78 of the base 54 and swivel 56 portionstogether and into engagement; thus axially aligning the base and swivelportions of the tool holder 52 and steadying the swivel portion forinsertion and/or removal of the tool 14 when the extension shaft 18 isat rest.

Referring to FIG. 11, a protective mechanism 70, e.g., sheath, can beincorporated with the extension shaft 18 of the present invention tocover the pivot assembly 58 proximate the end of the extension shaft andthe tool holder 52. The durable sheath 70 may include a single piece ormultiple pieces and is sufficiently flexible and/or rigid so that itdoes not impede movement of the swivel portion 56 or base portion 54 ofthe tool holder 52. The sheath includes a material capable of protectingthe operator from harmful contact with the moving parts of the toolholder when the swivel portion is angled, pivoted, or hinged withrespect to the base portion 54 or the extension shaft 18 duringrotation.

In one embodiment of the sheath 70 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, sections ofthe swivel 56 and base 54 portions of the tool holder 52 are retainedwithin respective cylindrical fittings 40, 40′ such that rotation of theswivel and base portions can be achieved without rotation of therespective cylindrical fitting. One of the cylindrical fittings 40, 40′is positioned about at least a section of the swivel portion 56 of thetool holder 52 and the other of the cylindrical fittings is positionedabout at least a section of the base portion 54 of the tool holder. Theouter surface of the cylindrical fitting 40′ positioned about the swivelportion 56 of the tool holder 52 includes a diamond knurled finish(e.g., cross-hatched) and the outer surface of the cylindrical fitting40 positioned about the base portion 56 of the too holder includes afluted knurled finish (e.g., longitudinal ridges). The sheath 70includes a flexible rubber-type material and may also include an outersurface that includes knurling. The sheath 70 is slid over thecylindrical fittings 40, 40′, wherein the diamond knurled surface aboutthe swivel portion 56 facilitates retention of the sheath while thefluted knurled surface about the base portion 54 allows the sheath toslide back and forth when the tool holder 52 is hinged or pivoted.

If the sheath 70 includes multiple pieces, one segment of the sheathcovers over of the base 54 or swivel 56 portions and the other segmentof the sheath covers over the other of the base or swivel portions. Asshown in FIG. 16, each segment of the sheath 70 preferably includes asemi-rigid, bulbous shape, wherein one of the sheath segments partiallyfits within the an opening of the other of the sheath segments tocooperatively hold both sheath segments together.

Another protective mechanism capable of being incorporated with the toolholder 52 of the present invention is a spacer 72. As shown in FIG. 12,the spacer 72 is preferably annular or toroidal in shape and includes adurable and flexible material, e.g., rubber, silicon; that can belocated about the axis of the extension shaft 18 and proximate the neckof the base portion 56 and bearing 66 of the ball joint 64 to assist inpreventing an operator's hand or finger from being placed into contactwith the movable parts of the tool holder 52.

Referring again to FIGS. 7-9, another embodiment of the presentinvention is shown wherein the extension shaft 18 is flexible. Theflexible extension shaft 18 includes a plurality of concentric coilsprings 30, 32, 34 in tightly wound adjacent relation extending betweenand secured to the generally cylindrical body portions 20 a, 22 a of thefirst and second ends 20, 22 of the flexible extension shaft 18 toaccommodate universal deflection of the flexible extension shaft and/orthe tool 14 relative to the axis of the chuck 12. It will also be seenthat a flexible sleeve 36 is disposed about the concentric coil springs30, 32, 34. As illustrated, the flexible sleeve 36 has cylindricalfittings 38, 40 secured thereto at opposite ends 42, 44 thereof toreceive one of the cylindrical body portions 20 a, 22 a therein and theflexible sleeve 36 and cylindrical fittings 38, 40 define shoulders 46,48 internally of each of the fittings 38, 40 to form stops for thecylindrical body portions 20 a, 22 a.

More specifically, the cylindrical body portions 20 a, 22 a are spacedapart by a distance greater than the distance between the shoulders 46,48 in the cylindrical fittings 38, 40 to permit limited axial movementof the cylindrical body portions 20 a, 22 a and the concentric coilsprings 30, 32, 34 relative to the cylindrical fittings 38, 40 and theflexible sleeve 36. With this construction, a shaft biasing coil spring50 is disposed about the concentric coil springs 30, 32, 34 of theflexible extension shaft 18 between the shoulder 48 in one of thecylindrical fittings 40 in the corresponding one of the cylindrical bodyportions 22 a to normally bias the other of the cylindrical bodyportions 20 a into engagement with the shoulder 46 in the other of thecylindrical fittings 38.

It is to be understood that the flexible sleeve 36 can also beimplemented with the more rigid extension shaft shown in FIGS. 1 and2—as would be the case when the flexible extension shaft shown in FIGS.7-9 is utilized in a linear configuration.

As should now be appreciated, the handheld instrument 10—especially aportable electric screwdriver—is extremely versatile when utilized withthe extension shaft 18 of the present invention. Because the tool holder52 is deflectable relative to the axis of the chuck 12—as well as theaxis of the extension shaft 18—the extension shaft enables the use ofthe handheld instrument 10 in hard-to-reach or spatially restrictedareas because the tool 14 can be disposed at an acute angle relative tothe axis of the chuck 12 by the pivoting, hinging, and/or swivelingprovided by the unique pivotal coupling inherent within the tool holder52—whether the embodiment of the pivot assembly 58 being utilizedincludes the ball joint 64 (see FIGS. 10-12) or the dual pivot pins 60,62 of the pivot assembly 58 that lie substantially within the same planeand preferable perpendicular to each other (see FIGS. 3A, 3B, 6A, 6B,6C, and 6D).

The range of angular movement for the tool 14 relative to the axis ofthe chuck 12 can further be increased when the tool holder 52 isutilized with an extension shaft 18 that is flexible. Because theflexible extension shaft 18 is universally deflectable relative to theaxis of the chuck 12, the flexible extension shaft 18 enables the use ofthe handheld instrument 10 in hard-to-reach or spatially restrictedareas because the tool 14 can be disposed at an acute angle relative tothe axis of the flexible extension shaft as well as the chuck 12 bydeflecting or bending the flexible extension shaft such as illustratedin FIG. 7. The concentric coil springs 30, 32, 34 rotate internally ofthe flexible sleeve 36 and the difference in distance between thecylindrical body portions 20 a and 22 a and the cylindrical fittings 38and 40 accommodate the arc into which the flexible extension shaft 18 isoftentimes advantageously deflected and held during use. In thisconfiguration, the flexible sleeve 36 permits the user to grip theflexible extension shaft 18 and hold it in a deflected position duringuse without exposure to the moving parts.

In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 19, theinvention relates to tool 100 having first end 102, extension shaft 104,and second end 106.

First end 102 is adapted to cooperate with a chuck of a device forproviding a rotary motion. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldappreciate that many configurations for first end 102 are possible.

Extension shaft 104 is capable of being bent about an axis (A) andcapable of receiving the rotary motion. Extension shaft 104 may have theattributes discussed herein regarding other embodiments of the presentinvention.

Second end 106 is adapted to hold an implement for rotary driven motion.Again, one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there arenumerous configurations for second end 106.

In this embodiment of the present invention, both the first end 102 andthe second end 104 are capable of being bent, independently of theextension shaft 104. In other words, both first end 102 and second end106 include a configuration such as that depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, 10-12,and 13-16. Thus, while the entire tool 100 will be able to be bent, eachend 102, 104 will also independently bend, or deflect.

Such an embodiment will allow for further deflection of the device andgreater range of movement to allow the tool to work in confined spaces.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-22, in still another embodiment of the presentinvention, the invention relates to a kit 200 having flexible extensionshaft 202, male member 204, and, female member 206.

Flexible extension shaft 202 is capable of being bent about an axis andincludes first end 208 and second end 210. First end 208 has anon-circular cross section, and second end 210 also has a non-circularcross section. For example, first end 208 could have a square maleconfiguration and second end 210 could have a square femaleconfiguration.

Male member 204 has first end 212 with a configuration complementary tosecond end 210 of flexible extension shaft 202, and second end 214having a configuration different than the configuration of first end 212of male member 204. For example, first end 212 could have a male squareconfiguration and second end 214 could have a male hex configuration.

Female member 206 has first end 216 with a configuration complementaryto the configuration of second end 214 of male member 204, and secondend 218 having a configuration different than the configuration of firstend 214 of female member 216. For example, first end 216 could have afemale hex configuration and second end 218 could have a female squareconfiguration.

Such a kit 200 is believed to be beneficial in that it would allow foradditional extension to the shaft 202 by allowing the male and femalemembers 204, 206 to be added to the shaft 202 to increase its overalllength. Furthermore, such a kit 200 will allow for the shaft 202 to beused with a variety of tools for imparting rotation motion, i.e.,ratchet, power drill, hand drill, hand driver, etc. In addition, it willallow shaft 202 to be used with at least two types of implements, thosehaving square configurations and those having hex configurations. Thiswould eliminate the need for two shafts for the two types of implements.

Finally, referring to FIGS. 23-25, another embodiment of the inventioncomprises a tool 300 having first end 302, flexible extension shaft 304,and second end 306.

First end 302 is capable of being adapted to an instrument having achuck to impart a rotary motion to the tool. Again, one of ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate that there are numerous configurationsavailable for first end 302.

Flexible extension shaft 304 is capable of being bent about an axis andcapable of receiving the rotary motion from the first end 302. Flexibleextension shaft 304 may comprise any of the attributes and elementsdiscussed herein with respect to other embodiments of the invention.

Second end 306 is capable of receiving the rotary motion from theflexible extension shaft 304. Second end 306 also includes a rotatablemember 308 with a first end 310 having first implement 312 and secondend 314 having a second implement 316. Rotatable member 308 is integral,i.e., attached, to second end 314. Preferably, second end 306 of thetool 300 includes a spring 318 to bias rotatable member 308 towardsfirst end 302 of the tool 300 (in the direction of arrow A (see FIG.23)).

First and second implements 312, 316 may be integral to rotatable member308 (see, FIG. 25). Alternatively, rotatable member 308 can hold firstand second implements 312, 316 (see, FIG. 24), allowing for greatervariety and flexibility of use for the tool 300.

In use, rotatable member 308 can have a first implement, for example, adrill bit and a second implement, for example a screw driver tip. Theuser can drill a hole using the drill bit, flip the rotatable member 308and immediately proceed to drive a screw with the screw driver tip. Byway of another example, first implement could be a flat screw drivertip, and second implement could be a Phillips screw driver tip.

Such a device will provide a variety of options for the tool andminimize the number of tools needed for a job. Further, it will requireless time to change the implements allowing tasks and jobs to becompleted at a much quicker pace.

While in the foregoing there has been set forth a preferred embodimentof the invention, it is to be understood that the present invention maybe embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit orcentral characteristics thereof. The present embodiments, therefore, areto be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerousmodifications come to mind without significantly departing from thecharacteristics of the invention and the scope of protection is onlylimited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A kit comprising: a flexible extension shaftcapable of being bent about an axis and having a first end and a secondend, the first end having a non-circular cross section, and the secondend having a non-circular cross section; a male member having a firstend with a configuration complementary to the second end of the flexibleextension shaft, and a second end having a configuration different thanthe configuration of the first end of the male member; and, a femalemember having a first end with a configuration complementary to theconfiguration of the second end of the male member, and a second endhaving a configuration different than the configuration of the first endof the female member.
 2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the second end ofthe female member is configured complementary to the first end of themale member.
 3. The kit of claim 2, wherein the second end of the femalemember is configured complementary to the first end of the flexibleextension.
 4. The kit of claim 1 wherein the first end of the flexibleextension shaft and the first end of the male member have square maleconfigurations.
 5. The kit of claim 4, wherein the second end offlexible extension shaft and the second end of the female member havesquare female configurations.
 6. The kit of claim 5 wherein the secondend of the male member and the first end of the female member are hexconfigurations.
 7. A tool comprising: a first end adapted to cooperatewith a chuck of a device for providing a rotary motion; an extensionshaft capable of being bent about an axis and capable of receiving therotary motion; and a second end adapted to hold an implement for rotarydriven motion; and, wherein both the first end and the send end arecapable of being bent about the axis, independently of the extensionshaft.
 8. A tool comprising: a first end capable of being adapted to aninstrument having a chuck to impart a rotary motion to the tool, aflexible extension shaft capable of being bent about an axis and capableof receiving the rotary motion from the first end a second end capableof receiving the rotary motion from the flexible extension shaft, andhaving a rotatable member with a first end having a first implement anda second end having a second implement.
 9. The tool of claim 8 whereinthe first implement and the second implement are removably received bythe rotatable member.
 10. The tool of claim 8 wherein the firstimplement and the second implement are integral with the rotatablemember.